What are the main meanings of 挥?

The primary meanings are to wave, to wield (e.g., a weapon or brush), to command (e.g., an army), and to scatter or squander (e.g., money).

Is 挥 positive or negative in names?

It can be both. It conveys decisiveness and leadership (positive) but can also imply wastefulness in the context of 挥霍 (negative). Context and pairing are key.

Good pairings with 挥 for a name?

Pair with characters that ground its dynamic energy or emphasize positive traits.

挥Tone 1

huī ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical: 扌

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挥 · huī

To wave;

to brandish;

to wield;

to command;

to scatter;

to disperse.

To waveto brandishto wield

Usage highlights

To wave one's handTo wield; to commandTo command an armyTo write or paint with a brushTo squander moneyTo direct; to conduct

Synonyms

舞— to dance; to brandish
摇— to shake; to wave
指— to point; to direct (as in 指挥)

Antonyms

收— to gather; to collect (opposite of scatter/disperse)
敛— to restrain; to hold back (opposite of squander)

Usage & contexts

Examples

He waved goodbye (挥手告别).
The general commanded the army (挥军前进).
She is good at managing money (善于挥霍).
The artist wielded his brush freely (挥毫泼墨).

Collocations

To wave one's hand(挥手)
To wield; to command(挥动)
To command an army(挥军)
To write or paint with a brush(挥毫)
To squander money(挥霍)
To direct; to conduct(指挥)

Idioms

To wield money like dirt(挥金如土)
To wield at will; to command freely(挥洒自如)
To direct an army with a wave of the hand(挥斥方遒)
To wave one's hand and it's done(一挥而就)

Cultural background

FAQ

The hand radical (扌) indicates actions related to the hand or manual control.
Often associated with leadership, command, and decisive action in both military and artistic contexts.
In calligraphy, '挥毫' (wielding the brush) signifies the free, expressive act of writing or painting.

挥 (huī) - To wave & to brandish